Bring Michigan’s Natural Beauty To Your Doorstep
Posted on July 26, 2024
As the frost of winter melts away and the first hints of spring whisper through Michigan’s air, it’s the perfect time to reimagine our outdoor spaces. In Ann Arbor, where the local flora is as vibrant and diverse as our community, we’re excited to bring a slice of Michigan’s natural beauty right to your doorstep.
Embrace Michigan’s Natural Charm with Native Plantings
Our landscapes are more than just spaces; they’re the backdrop to our lives and even a haven for local wildlife. This season, we’re championing the installation of new flower, shrub, and perennial garden beds, with a special focus on native plants.
Why native, you ask?
Well, aside from their stunning beauty, they’re tailor-made by nature for our unique weather. From the resilient Trillium, as enchanting as a Wolverines’ victory, to the hearty Coneflower, echoing the spirit of our bustling Ann Arbor markets, these plants are designed to thrive here.
Screening Borders & Tree Plantings: Your Private Arboretum
Privacy and beauty can go hand-in-hand with screening borders and tree plantings. Imagine a lush, natural barrier that not only enhances your privacy but also transforms your yard into a secluded woodland.
We take inspiration from the serene trails of the Huron River, offering you a slice of tranquility and a year-round green vista. It’s like having your personal Nichols Arboretum but with all the comforts of home!
At Lotus, we’re not just landscapers; we’re Michiganders through and through. We understand the local ecosystem and are committed to enhancing the natural beauty of our state.
As the tulips at the Holland Tulip Festival herald the arrival of spring, so does our excitement to transform your outdoor space. Let’s create a landscape that’s not only beautiful but tells the story of our incredible state!
Beautiful Stone Paver Steps Lead Up To The Patio
From Drab Slope to Fab Soak: The Ultimate Patio Upgrade
Nestled in the charming city of Ann Arbor, our project had a canvas that any designer would dream of: a sloping grade that offered both a challenge and an opportunity to create something extraordinary. Our mission was to not only enhance the outdoor living experience for our clients but to do so in a way that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
A Before Picture Of The Space
The Challenge
The primary challenge was to take advantage of the sloping grade in a way that maximized the usability of the outdoor space. Our clients desired a seamless integration of a hot tub into their patio area, not just as an add-on, but as a built-in feature that offered both luxury and ease of access.
The Design
We decided to move the hot tub to a lower area, creating a raised patio for it to nestle against. This design choice allowed for easy access to the hot tub, giving it the appearance of being built-in. To further enhance the accessibility and flow, we added a door to the screen room, offering another access point to the patio and, by extension, to the hot tub.
Our choice of materials was pivotal in achieving the modern feel our clients craved. We opted for Fendt Stonegate retaining wall block in Limestone Blend for the walls, and Techobloc Blu 60 Smooth pavers in Greyed Nickel for the patio and wall caps. The incorporation of heating elements beneath the pavers was a game-changer, ensuring the patio remained snow-free during winter – perfect for hot tub access in the colder months!
A Heated Patio Was Integrated Into The Design
Surrounding the patio, we designed plantings to create an oasis of privacy and calm. Japanese Maple ‘Bloodgood’, Hydrangea ‘Bobo’, Panicum ‘Heavy Metal’, and Nepeta ‘Purrsian Blue’ were among the carefully selected plants that provided lush textures, vibrant colors, and seasonal interest. The addition of a Japanese maple as a focal point not only anchored the corner of the patio but promised a future canopy for dining beneath.
A stairway to the lower part of the yard and a gravel path for basement access were complemented by natural stone steps to the higher yard areas. We also ensured practical needs were met by routing downspouts underground, away from the house.
Nepeta ‘Purrsian Blue’ In Bloom
The Masterpiece Unveiled
The result was nothing short of spectacular – a “Modern Raised Patio with Hot Tub” that redefined outdoor living for our clients. Their testimonial speaks volumes,
“We LOVE our patio. We’ve been spending a ton of time outside. We had a party last Saturday and I would guess we had almost 30 people out there and it still felt roomy. We got lots of compliments.”
The Finished Project
This project is a testament to Lotus’s commitment to transforming spaces into personalized paradises. Through innovative design, strategic material selection, and a focus on functionality, we turn challenges into opportunities and we’d love to do the same for you.